For the last six months, this group of volunteers has cleaned up debris in many of Hanoi’s infamous filthy rivers and lakes, including the To Lich and Nhue rivers.
Dang Thuy Trang (23 years old, Hanoi), a volunteer with the Hanoi Green organization, stated that cleaning up each filthy river segment takes three to four sessions over the course of two weeks.
Despite the strong stink rising to the surface of the ocean, the volunteers continued to pick up duckweed, styrofoam, cardboard, and plastic bags on the shore.
The work was difficult, but the young people did not grumble; instead, they supported one another, often with laughter, after discovering a “strange object” in the riverbed. “After seeing us clean up, people around us became self-conscious and stopped littering indiscriminately. That’s what everyone is happy about,” added Trang.
“New members frequently struggle to avoid sharp objects on the river bottom, such as needles, bricks, stones, and glass, so we must carefully train and remind them.” Garbage has an awful odor, but you will grow used to it after 2-3 sessions” – Mr. Hieu said. Photo: Hang Nga
During the operation, most of the costs are calculated by the leaders of the Green Hanoi Group to save the most. There are times when benefactors come to the group to support but the amount is insignificant.
The group’s motto is “no support, no commercial advertising” since it may jeopardize the initial goal of building for the community.
[What you should know about trash mountains around Hanoi]
Hanoi Green is a community of 300 people. The team’s next objective is to reach 1,000 members. The project of placing trash cans along the riverside and encouraging people to dispose of their rubbish properly will be launched shortly.
However, the group’s limited financial resources made it impossible to improve and maintain equipment, tools, and specialized clothing for garbage cleanup, as well as to fund regular health checks for members.
@tuoitre.vn
Related
Source: Vietnam Insider